Energy Emergency Leadership Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for yielding and allowing me the opportunity to speak.

I rise today in support of H.R. 3119, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act. I thank my good friend from Illinois, Mr. Bobby Rush, for continuing to work with me to get this bill across the finish line.

This is the third Congress in a row that we have introduced this bill, each time passing the Committee on Energy and Commerce with unanimous, bipartisan support.

And frankly, given what we have seen just over the last few months in disruptions to our energy supply--including the Colonial Pipeline attack--it is well past due for this important energy security measure to be enacted in law.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation's economy and the health and safety of the American public depend upon the reliable and uninterrupted supply of fuels and electricity.

Hazards of all forms--including natural disasters, digital, and cyberattacks--are no longer just threats. They are occurring at an alarming and continuing rate.

Whether it is power outages in Texas and California due to weather events, or foreign adversaries hacking into our pipelines or grid, it is critical that we better equip our Federal agencies to prevent and respond to attacks in a way that fully protects the public.

Presidential administrations of both parties have recognized this by providing the Department of Energy with the responsibilities, expertise, and tools to ensure the reliable supply of energy.

It is time Congress does its part by requiring the energy emergency and cybersecurity functions at DOE to be organized under the leadership of an assistant secretary confirmed by the Senate. This will ensure the Department has focused and accountable leadership with high-level continuity throughout future administrations.

H.R. 3119 will encourage more effective and seamless information- sharing with Federal and industry stakeholders on energy security threats, risks, and incidents, as well as recovery and response.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3119 in order to protect our Nation's electric infrastructure from foreign adversaries who are attempting to disrupt our energy system and cause untold harm to our economy, our daily lives, and our national security.

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